Burned in an Accident or Fire?

Houston Burn Injury Attorney

Burn injuries are some of the most devastating accidents a person can go through. Victims face severe pain, long hospital stays, and reconstructive surgeries, and many survivors live with scars that are both physical and emotional. When negligence, a defective product, or an unsafe property caused your burns, you have the right to pursue full compensation. At The Miller Law Firm — The Texas Bulldog — we fight for burn injury survivors across Texas, and you pay nothing unless we win.

61%of burn injuries happen at home (American Burn Association)
2 yearsDeadline to file most Texas injury claims
$0Upfront. We only get paid if you recover.

Quick Answer: Can I Sue After a Burn Injury in Texas?

If negligence, a defective product, or an unsafe property caused your burn injury in Texas, you may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and disfigurement. You generally have two years to file a claim, and burn injury attorneys typically work on contingency, so there is no upfront cost. The Miller Law Firm offers a free case review.

Watch

Houston Burn Injury Lawyer: What Victims Should Know

Adam Miller — The Texas Bulldog — on burn injury cases.

By the Numbers

Why Burn Injury Cases Are So Complex

Unlike most injury cases, burn injuries often need years of care. Survivors may go through multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and mental health treatment, and the full cost is hard to see at the start.

61%of burn injuries happen at private homesAmerican Burn Association
29,165burn hospital admissions a year in the U.S.HCUP, 2020
3,800deaths a year from fire and smoke inhalationNFPA, 2021
97.6%of patients admitted to burn centers surviveAmerican Burn Association

Figures come from the American Burn Association fact sheet, which draws on CDC, HCUP, and NFPA data. Years differ by source.

That is why burn cases often overlap with catastrophic injury claims, and, when a burn is fatal, with wrongful death claims.

Degrees of Burns

Doctors classify burns by how deep they go. The deeper the burn, the more serious the injury, and the longer the recovery.

1

First-Degree

Outer layer only

Red, dry, and painful, like a sunburn. These burns often heal without scarring.

2

Second-Degree

Deeper skin

Blisters, swelling, and severe pain. Deeper second-degree burns can scar and may need surgery.

3

Third-Degree

All skin layers

Skin may look white, leathery, or charred. Nerve damage can mean little pain at the site. These burns usually need skin grafts.

4

Fourth-Degree

Fat, muscle, or bone

The most severe burns. They can damage tendons and bone and may require amputation.

SurfaceDeeper tissue

Common Causes of Burn Injuries

Burns happen in many settings, and the cause often points to who is responsible.

Vehicle Fires

Crashes, fuel leaks, and defective parts can start a fire. Many involve car or 18-wheeler wrecks.

Home and Apartment Fires

Faulty wiring, missing smoke alarms, space heaters, and kitchen fires.

Industrial and Chemical Burns

Refineries, plants, and construction sites, where chemicals and heat are part of the work.

Explosions

Gas leaks, pipelines, and industrial blasts can cause severe burns in seconds.

Scalding

Hot water, steam, and grease. Children and older adults are especially at risk.

Electrical Burns

Downed lines, faulty equipment, and unsafe job sites.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Burn Injury?

More than one party can share the blame. Depending on the facts, responsibility may fall on:

1

Landlords and Property Owners

For faulty wiring, blocked exits, or ignoring known fire hazards. Texas law also requires landlords to install smoke alarms in rental units.

2

Product Manufacturers

When a defective heater, appliance, battery, or fuel system caused the burn. Stores that only sell a product are liable in limited situations.

3

Employers and Contractors

For unsafe workplaces, missing safety gear, or poor training.

4

Negligent Drivers and Trucking Companies

When a crash causes a vehicle fire. See our truck accident page.

5

Utility, Gas, and Pipeline Companies

For leaks and explosions caused by poor maintenance or inspection.

6

Restaurants and Other Businesses

For scalding from unsafe hot water systems, spills, or grease fires.

Our team looks at every possible source of responsibility, so one party’s insurance limits do not cap what you can recover.

Burned at Work: How Texas Law Treats It

Texas lets private employers decide whether to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Which choice your employer made changes your options.

Employer carries workers’ compensation

  • You can get benefits without proving fault.
  • You generally cannot sue your employer for negligence.
  • You can still bring a claim against a third party, such as an equipment maker, a property owner, or another contractor.

Employer opted out (a non-subscriber)

  • You may be able to sue your employer for negligence.
  • Texas law limits some of the defenses a non-subscribing employer can use.
  • A third-party claim may still be possible.

If you were burned on the job, call us before you sign anything from your employer or an insurer. Read more about accidents while on the job.

Deadlines That Can Affect Your Claim

Texas sets strict time limits. Missing one can end a claim, so do not wait.

2 Years

The general deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas, counted from the date of the injury.

Children

A child’s deadline is generally paused until age 18, but do not wait to get legal advice.

6 Months

Many claims against a city, county, or other government entity require written notice within about six months.

15 Years

Texas generally bars product liability claims filed more than 15 years after the product was first sold.

Long-Term Effects of Burn Injuries

Burns can change a person’s life long after the wound closes.

1

Skin Grafts and Surgeries

Deep burns often need repeated operations and skin grafts.

2

Scarring and Disfigurement

Permanent scars can affect appearance, confidence, and daily life.

3

Lost Movement

Scar tissue can tighten across joints and limit how far you can move.

4

Nerve Damage and Chronic Pain

Many survivors live with ongoing pain, itching, or numbness.

5

Inhalation Injury

Smoke and hot air can damage the airways and lungs.

6

Emotional Trauma

PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common after a serious burn.

Proof We Gather

Evidence in a Burn Injury Case

Burn cases are won on the details. The sooner we start, the more we can protect.

Medical Records and Photos

Treatment records and photos of your burns as they heal.

Fire Department Reports

Reports on the cause and origin of the fire or explosion.

The Product Itself

Keep the device, clothing, or part. Do not repair it or throw it away.

Scene Photos and Video

Pictures of the area, any damage, and nearby cameras.

Safety and Inspection Records

Maintenance logs, alarm checks, and code inspections.

Workplace Records

Training, safety reports, and OSHA records for job-site burns.

Witness Statements

People who saw what happened or smelled gas.

Expert Analysis

Fire investigators, engineers, burn doctors, and cost-of-care planners.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Under Texas law, burn injury victims may recover for the harm they have suffered, including:

Medical Bills

Emergency care, surgeries, skin grafts, therapy, and future treatment.

Lost Income

Time off work and lost earning capacity if you cannot return.

Pain and Suffering

The physical pain and what it takes from your daily life.

Disfigurement

Permanent scarring or loss of function.

Mental Anguish

Emotional distress, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases of fraud, malice, or gross negligence. Texas law caps these and requires clear proof.

Our firm has helped Houston families recover hundreds of millions of dollars in serious injury and negligence cases. See our case results.

What to Do After a Burn Injury

1
Right away

Get emergency care

Call 911 for serious burns. Do not wait to see how it looks tomorrow.

2
As you heal

Document your injuries

Take photos of your burns and the scene, and keep every medical record.

3
Right away

Keep the evidence

Hold on to the product, clothing, or part involved. Do not repair or discard it.

4
Before anyone calls

Avoid statements to insurers

Insurers may try to use your words to shrink your claim. Report the incident in writing and say little else.

5
As soon as possible

Call The Miller Law Firm

Speak with a Houston burn injury lawyer at (713) 572-3333.

Watch for illegal solicitation. If a caller, case runner, or someone claiming to represent a law firm contacts you about your burn injury before you have reached out to anyone, that contact may be illegal under Texas law. See our guide on what to do if a lawyer contacts you first.

Burned because of someone else's negligence?

You should not carry the medical bills alone. Call The Texas Bulldog for a free case review today.

How Our Burn Injury Lawyers Help

Our team knows how to investigate these difficult cases. Here is what you can expect.

Free consultation

We review your case and explain your options.

Find the cause

We identify what caused the fire, explosion, or burn, whether it was a workplace hazard, a vehicle, or a defective product.

Project the costs

We work with medical experts to estimate long-term treatment, rehab, and reconstructive care.

Negotiate

We push back on insurers that undervalue burn claims.

Go to trial if needed

If a fair settlement is not offered, we are prepared to take your case to court.

How Much Does a Burn Injury Lawyer Cost?

The Texas Bulldog works on a contingency fee. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

$0Upfront to hire us
$0Unless we win your case
$0For your first consultation

We front the costs of investigating and litigating your case, including experts and court costs. If we win, those costs come out of the recovery. If we do not, we absorb the loss ourselves.

Client Reviews

Nothing builds trust like hearing directly from the people we have helped. Here is what some of our clients say.

★★★★★

“Adam Miller and his staff are very kind, respectful and professional. They handled my situation very well and made me feel comfortable. I was even able to speak to him directly if I had to discuss any concern I had. I definitely recommend them.”

G Rodriguez

Google Review

★★★★★

“Miller Law Firm is your best choice if you are ever in an accident. They were with me every step of the way and helped me win big! Excellent customer service and an attorney that truly cares! Highly recommend!”

Devin Hebert

Google Review

★★★★★

“Adam Miller is representing me in regards to a vehicle related accident. He is honest, straight forward, and made me feel comfortable during a time of uncertainty. Do not hesitate to call the Miller Law Firm!”

Reed Harding

Google Review

★★★★★

“If you are ever in an accident contact the Miller Law Firm. They are so helpful and reliable. The staff there are amazing and knowledgeable about your case. If they don't know they will find out. Mr. Miller is amazing and funny. It's a Texas BullDog thing.”

Tericka Marshall

Google Review

Burn Injury FAQs

Here are answers to common questions from burn injury victims in Houston and across Texas.

What compensation can I recover after a burn injury?

Compensation may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and mental anguish. In rare cases of fraud, malice, or gross negligence, punitive damages may be available. Every case is different.

How long do I have to file a burn injury claim in Texas?

Generally, you have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. A child’s deadline is generally paused until age 18, and claims against a government entity can require written notice within about six months. Contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Do burn injury cases usually settle?

Many injury claims settle before trial, but not all do. If an insurer refuses a fair offer, we are prepared to file suit and take the case to court.

How much does it cost to hire a burn injury lawyer?

Our burn injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we win for you.

Can I sue if a defective product caused my burns?

Yes. Texas product liability law allows claims against manufacturers of defective products. A store that only sold the product is liable in more limited situations. Texas also generally bars product claims filed more than 15 years after the product was first sold.

What are common long-term effects of burn injuries?

Burn survivors often face permanent scarring, limited movement, nerve damage, chronic pain, and emotional trauma. Many need ongoing treatment for years.

What if my burns happened at work?

It depends on whether your employer carries workers’ compensation. If it does, you can get benefits but generally cannot sue the employer, though you may have a claim against a third party. If your employer opted out, you may be able to sue for negligence. Call us before you sign anything.

Can I claim emotional distress from burn injuries?

Yes. Texas law allows recovery for mental anguish tied to a physical injury, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression linked to the burn.

How do insurance companies try to fight burn claims?

Insurers may argue your burns are not as severe as you say, delay payment, or deny part of your claim. They may also push you toward a quick settlement before the long-term costs are known.

What evidence is needed in a burn injury case?

Evidence may include medical records, photographs of your burns, witness statements, fire department reports, safety and maintenance records, the product involved, and expert testimony. Thorough documentation is key.

Who is responsible if I was burned in a rental home or apartment?

A landlord may be responsible if the fire or burn came from a hazard they knew about or should have fixed, such as faulty wiring or missing smoke alarms. Texas law requires landlords to install smoke alarms in rental units. The facts of your case decide who is liable.

What if my child was burned?

Scalds from hot water, steam, and grease are a leading cause of burns in young children. A child’s filing deadline is generally paused until age 18, but evidence still fades, so talk to a lawyer promptly. Our consultation is free.

Ready to Speak With an Attorney?

Contact Our Burn Injury Attorneys Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury in Texas, you do not have to face the medical bills, insurance companies, or legal system alone. Whether your claim has been delayed, denied, or underpaid, or you are just beginning the process, we are here to help.

At The Miller Law Firm — Home of The Texas Bulldog, you get a free, no-obligation consultation, fast response times, and no fees unless we win. We have helped Texans recover after workplace explosions, house fires, chemical burns, and vehicle fires.

Call (713) 572-3333 or visit us at 4900 Woodway Drive, Suite 900, Houston, TX 77056.

Our Houston Office

Address4900 Woodway Drive, Suite 900
Houston, TX 77056
HoursMon–Fri: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Sat: Appointment Only
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